My heartfelt “thank you” goes to Dave Thiede, Albert Lea Tribune carrier.

On Jan. 1, I returned to my home about noon. Entering the garage, I let my dog out. She goes to the front of the house, sniffs around. I open the door to the house, call and my dog is at my heels.

Yesterday, she did not show. I called and called, to no avail. Thinking she was in the bushes (east side of house), I went in the backyard. She was nowhere in sight. I got in my car and drove to the end of the block. Turned right and saw her in a back yard of one of the houses.

I proceeded to climb over the snow bank. Sunk to my knees in snow. Unable to get up, I crawled to a telephone pole, a few feet away. Snow covered gloves, I had difficulty in climbing the pole.

I heard a voice, I see my dog. It was Dave Thiede, Tribune paper carrier. I finally got to a standing position. We both preceded to the backyard. Dave proceeded to pick her up. Carried her to my car.

Frankly, I do not know what I would have done without the help of David Thiede. Truly a “sainted” deed.

Robert Mares

Albert Lea